AS more Filipinos use electric vehicles (EVs), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) recently conducted a two-day workshop on EV Battery and Charging System Standardization.
The event, whose participants included members of the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) and Hiroshi Nakayama of the Japan Automobile Research Institute (JARI), sought to improve product quality and enhance local innovation with a focus on international standards in collaboration with Japan, a leader in EV technology.
"With growing consumer demand for electric vehicles in the country and our vision of establishing a more sustainable transportation system, the DTI remains committed to ensuring our EV industry meets the highest quality and safety standards," Acting Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said.
"This dedication not only protects consumers but also fosters a market that is competitive, sustainable, and attractive to both domestic and international investors," she added.
The DTI noted the automotive market's shift to EVs presents a significant economic opportunity for the Philippines as global demand also rises.
By establishing standardized battery and charging systems, local manufacturers can enhance their competitiveness, tapping into the domestic and international markets, the DTI said in a statement, adding this could lead to job creation in manufacturing, research and development, and infrastructure development.
The DTI said its commitment to standardization will ensure that battery production and disposal align with environmental practices.
Stakeholders also highlighted the need for a supportive regulatory framework that encourages innovation.
Under Republic Act (RA) 11697 or the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act, the DTI's Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) supports the EV industry by developing and adopting international standards for EV batteries and charging systems.
The BPS has published standards for EV components and equipment, such as the Philippine National Standards (PNS) International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61851, 61980, and 62196 series.
It has likewise established standards for lithium-ion batteries, particularly the PNS International Organization for Standardization 12405-4 and the PNS IEC 62660, as well as the guidelines for battery repurposing like the PNS Underwriters Laboratory 1974.
The BPS also implements product certification schemes for charging stations and related equipment to ensure the safety and quality of EV infrastructure